that will not be, there can be no good to be expected. If you will endeavour to stop my Lord of Newcastle, you must presently draw them to him and fight him! For without we be masters of the field, we shall be pulled out by the ears, one after another.
‘The Foot, if they will come on, may march very securely to Boston; which, to me, will be very considerable to your Association. For if the Enemy get that Town, which is now very weak for defence for want of men, I believe they will not be long out of Norfolk and Suffolk.
‘I can say no more: but desire you to hasten;—and rest, your servant, Francis Willoughby.’[1]
TO MY HONOURED FRIENDS THE COMMISSIONERS AT CAMBRIDGE: THESE PRESENT
Gentlemen,—You see by this Enclosed how sadly your affairs stand. It’s no longer Disputing, but Out instantly all you can! Raise all your Bands;[2] send them to Huntingdon;—get up what Volunteers you can; hasten your Horses.
Send these Letters to Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, without delay. I beseech you spare not, but be expeditious and industrious! Almost all our Foot have quitted Stamford: there is nothing to interrupt an Enemy, but our Horse, that is considerable. You must act lively; do it without distraction. Neglect no means!—I am, your faithful servant, OLIVER CROMWELL.[3]
In the Commons Journals August 4th,[4] are various Orders, concerning Colonel Cromwell and his affairs, of a comfortable nature: as, ‘That he shall have the Three-thousand Pounds,
